Article Source: Renfrewshire Council
Last Updated: 13 September 2024 12:03
Robertson Park and Johnstone Park Road tennis courts officially reopened in July following a £343,000 renovation which took place across three areas, managed by the Lawn Tennis Association (LTA), and funded by Renfrewshire Council, the UK Government and LTA Tennis Foundation.
Since the courts opened to the public more than 1,000 bookings have been made for the upgraded facilities with 1,247 hours of tennis played.
To showcase the courts and encourage young people to take advantage of the facilities on their doorstep, events were held at Robertson Park, Renfrew and Park Road Johnstone tennis courts, where young people from the local area were able to participate in professional tennis coaching sessions. This included 30 pupils from St James' Primary School in Renfrew and 30 pupils from Cochrane Castle and St David’s Primary Schools. The events were also attended by representatives from Renfrewshire Council, LTA and OneRen.
The renovations were part of the LTA’s Parks Tennis Project; the biggest ever transformation of park facilities across Britain, which has been used to transform 14 courts across the local area, providing a significant boost to sporting facilities.
The courts have undergone extensive work to ensure viability for years to come, including resurfacing, repainting, new fencing, new nets and a new gate system. This nationwide programme of investment is seeing thousands of existing park tennis courts in poor or unplayable condition brought back to life for the benefit of communities across the country, providing vital opportunities for children and adults to get active.
Renfrewshire Council in partnership with OneRen and supported by the LTA will ensure free park tennis sessions are available on the courts, providing regular opportunities for anyone to pick up a racket and play.
Councillor Michelle Campbell, Convener of Renfrewshire Council's Infrastructure, Land and Environment Policy Board, said: “It’s fantastic to see local people across our communities take advantage of these excellent facilities on their doorstep. It’s been especially heartening to see the young people participating in today’s event get excited by the sport and I’m sure it will inspire many of them to come back and use the courts again.
“I hope the investment in the courts encourages more people to take up the sport and the fact that free tennis will be available as part of the programme will surely support this. I’d encourage anyone interested in giving it a go to pick up a racket, book a court and get involved.”
Scott Lloyd, LTA Chief Executive, said: “We’re delighted to see park tennis courts across Renfrewshire officially re-open to the public, and in better shape than ever.
“Park tennis courts are vital for providing people with opportunities to pick up a racket, and we want as many people as possible, of all ages, abilities and backgrounds, to enjoy playing tennis and being active. Thanks to this investment the sport will be opened up to more players, for years to come.”
Blane Dodds, Tennis Scotland Chief Executive, said: “With tennis participation and membership in Scotland at record levels, it’s important that we continue to invest in facilities to grow capacity.
“Park facilities are key to ensuring tennis is accessible to all, so we are delighted that these park courts in Renfrewshire Council have opened following refurbishment.
“The appetite for tennis in Scotland has never been higher and these revamped courts, along with a number of other facilities being built and refurbished around the country, will help make sure more people are able to get access and play tennis across Scotland.”
Free court usage will be available on weekends from 10am-12pm and weekdays from 9am-4pm. Courts are chargeable from 4pm weekdays and 1pm weekends at £6.50 per hour.
All courts will be available to book via the LTA website or by visiting www.oneren.org/sport/tennis. New booking systems and gate access technology means it is now easier to get on court by booking in advance to guarantee availability.
From frosty gardens to cosy tearooms, National Trust for Scotland places in Glasgow and the West are offering a host of winter experiences and special events this festive season.
READ MORE
January needn't be a drag as Scotland's brand-new adult panto, The Wizard Wae The Big Bawz, hits the road, arriving just when the country needs a burst of joy!
READ MORE
Towns across Renfrewshire will officially mark the start of the festive season as the Christmas lights are due to be switched on over the coming weeks.
READ MORE
Crowds headed to Paisley town centre to mark the beginning of the festive season at the town's annual Christmas Lights Switch-On event.
READ MORE
Fresh new pyjamas are a Christmas essential, and Renfrewshire’s Provost Lorraine Cameron is looking for your help to make sure every child feels cosy and warm this Christmas.
READ MORE
Doddie Weir’s emotional match ball delivery at Murrayfield in 2017 has been voted the greatest moment in the stadium’s 100-year history, after thousands of fans took part in a nationwide poll.
READ MORE
Free parking is being extended during December in Paisley town centre council car parks.
READ MORE
Children in Paisley were transported to Another Realm as they were challenged to think creatively about the impact of the climate crisis.
READ MORE
The Steamie has been scrubbed up ahead of making a return to theatres across the country next year as part of an exciting new chapter in its long-standing story in the theatre landscape.
READ MORE
Bard in the Botanics will be launching their 25th Anniversary year with a Scotland-wide tour of their award-winning version of Medea, by Kathy McKean (after Euripides).
READ MORE
Imagine Theatre proudly presents a spectacular lineup of family pantomimes across Scotland bursting with laughter, music, sparkle, and dance starring some of Scotland's best-loved entertainers!
READ MORE
Renfrewshire has paid tribute to the Armed Forces as residents attended services across the area to mark Remembrance Sunday.
READ MORE
Dobbies Garden Centres has a fantastic line up of Santa’s Grotto and Quiet Grotto experiences, with an exciting North Pole adventure inspired theme, running from 23rd November - 24th December.
READ MORE
Scottish Ensemble, a pioneering collective of musicians championing music for strings, announces its series of events for Spring/Summer 2026.
READ MORE
Paisley will welcome the festive season in style this weekend at the town's Christmas Lights Switch-On event which returns to a Saturday for the first time since 2019!
READ MORE
Aldi Scotland is giving one lucky customer the chance to take part in a seasonal edition of its popular shopping challenge, all while raising vital funds for Children's Hospices Across Scotland.
READ MORE
Murrayfield heritage lead Laura Tinch reveals hidden collection of 5,000 artefacts charting a century of Scottish rugby history.
READ MORE
Greene King pubs is raising the spirits of Scotland's hardest workers this festive season, hosting 'The Big Christmas Shift' across 700 pubs nationwide, giving away 30,000 meals on Monday 1st December
READ MORE
From wreath-making workshops through to New Year’s Eve street parties, here's a rounded up some of the best events to help make the most of the season with loved ones in a fun and creative way.
READ MORE
Kai Reesu’s ‘KOMPROMAT vol.i’ was tonight announced as winner of The Scottish Album of the Year (SAY) Award, as the country’s national music prize Ceremony took place in Dundee’s Caird Hall.
READ MORE
A stellar lineup of nominees has been announced for the Scottish Jazz Awards 2025, showcasing the exceptional talent flourishing across Scotland's vibrant jazz scene.
READ MORE
SCOTTISH rugby fans have been called upon to cast their vote for the greatest ever Murrayfield rugby moment as part of celebrations marking the national stadium’s centenary.
READ MORE
Scotland's biggest Christmas drive-in returns: 11 days of Elf, Home Alone & more at Loch Lomond Shores!
READ MORE
First Bus is offering free travel for all veterans and UK Armed Forces personnel travelling to Remembrance Day activities of Remembrance Sunday and Armistice Day.
READ MORE
Scotland's favourite beer, Tennent's Lager, has unveiled the world's first ever Square Wurst - a Scottish classic with a German twist - to mark the launch of Tennent's Bavarian Pilsner.
READ MORE
Concert by Candlelight, Scottish Ensemble's celebrated long-running winter tour, returns for eight awe-inspiring performances in intimate settings around Scotland this December.
READ MORE
Dobbies is encouraging customers to come along to their nearest store and to be the first to shop exclusive Black Friday offers at its late-night shopping event, in aid of Alzheimer's Research UK.
READ MORE
Marine & Lawn Hotels & Resorts Collection have launched new offerings designed to inspire cosy autumn getaways and early festive escapes across Scotland.
READ MORE
Nominations are open for the highly anticipated Scottish Excellence Awards 2026, a celebration of Scotland's hospitality, foodservice and tourism sectors.
READ MORE
Spooky season descended on Paisley at the weekend as thousands of visitors turned out for the annual Halloween Festival!
READ MORE